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LA Lakers star Anthony Davis is expected to return against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. Davis has missed 19 games since getting injured against the Denver Nuggets on December 16.
AD could be back on the court soon after suffering a stress fracture in his right foot last month. The Lakers are not 100% sure that he will play on Wednesday. They want to ensure his health won't be compromised once he returns.
According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, it's more likely that Davis could be back in action on Saturday against the Boston Celtics.
"He's nearing the six-week mark since he suffered the right foot injury and he is ramping up closer and closer to return. It's imminent that it could be as soon as Wednesday against the Spurs. I was told, 'more likely' that he would play Saturday, against the Boston Celtics." McMenamin said.
"He's not just going 1-0 or a 1-1 workouts. He's getting that full-contact with the guys who don't play that much. And they're giving they're effort to try to get him ready to get back on the court."
Davis' health could determine whether the Lakers make or miss the playoffs. So far, the team has managed to stay afloat without their star big man. The Lakers are 12th in the Western Conference with a 22-25 record. They have started to play better and have climbed up the standings after a slow start.
With their recent wins, the Lakers have a shot at being a Play-In team. They will go for their third straight win when they take on the LA Clippers tonight at crypto.com Arena.
Also read: Report: Anthony Davis is expecting early return from injury as per LA Lakers
Rui Hachimura could be the help that Anthony Davis needs
The Lakers surprised a lot of fans with their trade this week. They acquired forward Rui Hachimura from the Washington Wizards in exchange for Kendrick Nunn and three future second-round picks. The trade gives them another talented and versatile forward to fit into their rotation.
Hachimura's arrival doesn't exactly make the Lakers the biggest threat in the Western Conference. However, it does make them a better team. The 6-foot-8 forward is a decent floor stretcher and can be an agile defender. He will be useful when Davis returns.
The Lakers enjoy playing small in certain situations. Hachimura could be the "X-Factor" for that approach. He's big and strong enough to battle it out with the other power forwards. It'll be an interesting to see the Japanese star and Anthony Davis together on the floor.
Hachimura is averaging 13 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 30 games this season.
